Health insurer supports women’s campaign against heart disease

Beginning Sunday, Jan. 31 and continuing until Friday, Feb. 5, the spire atop Fifth Avenue Place will be illuminated red as the health insurer supports the American Heart Association's "Go Red for Women" campaign. The campaign brings awareness to heart disease, the number one killer of women.

Since "Go Red for Women" launched in 2004, cities across the country have turned their landmarks red, including Niagara Falls, the Empire State Building, state capital buildings and many more during February, which is American Heart Month.

"Highmark is especially proud to support the 'Go Red for Women' campaign. As a health insurer, we want to do our part in eliminating cardiovascular disease and improving the health of women," said Donald Fischer, M.D., Highmark's chief medical director. "We encourage women to make healthy choices in their diet, increase their activity levels and talk to their doctors about their heart health."

According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease kills approximately 450,000 women each year. Ninety percent of women have one or more risk factors for developing heart disease.

Highmark employees will have their chance to show their support for Go Red by participating in a number of activities. During the week, Feb. 1-5, the Highmark cafeteria will prepare a selection of heart healthy foods from the pages of the Go Red cookbook. On Thursday, Feb. 4^th, employees can take part in blood pressure screenings; enter their names for drawings and listen to speakers talk about prevention and early diagnosis.